LX3 or TZ7?? Help....

Kai2810 · 9th June 2009

Hi guys....

I'm quite a noob at cameras, will need some advice on deciding which one to buy this coming weekend!

I have taken a look at the reviews at dpreview.com of both LX3 and TZ7, and saw the image comparisons.

I have 3 qns...

1) Is the difference in sensor size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in image quality?

I know sensor size BIG = GOOD (correct?)...but does it really make a huge difference in this case btw LX3 and the TZ7, when it comes to actually using it?

2) Is the difference in aperture size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in flexibility?

The LX3 has fantastic aperture range...Wide: F2.0 - F8.0 Tele: F2.8 - F8 compared to the TZ7's F3.3 - F4.9. Also...the TZ7 does not allow you to manually set the aperture, shutter speed, ISO right? I have used a dslr before...so flexibility quite important to me.

But again...any significant difference in the flexibility offered in real world usage?

3) Is the overall image quality of the LX3 so much better than the TZ7 that I should let go of the latter's GREAT optical zoom range?

Zoom kinda important to me...like to know if the image quality of LX3 is good enough for me to forgo the TZ7's 12x zoom....

I'll be using the TZ7 or the LX3 for my travels or normal usage when I'm out with friends/family where compact size and convenience is of priority. My dad has a D200 and D3 with quite a number of lenses, so I can borrow them if I need them. So for now, compact size and convenience is important!

The main rationale behind this post is that I realized that paper specs are not really everything. I may think that the best in paper spec is absolutely critical but when it comes to real world usage I can be satisfied with something that is a few notches below/poorer.

Got this experience when I brought my new computer graphics card. Fastest card so what? Get a cheaper card but still deliver silky smooth gaming experience with the size of the LCD monitor I'm using can already. (If you know what I mean.) Saved more than 100 bucks when I purchased a slightly lower range product which still delivered what I wanted.

So same case here...go for the absolute best (LX3) or choose something cheaper and still give me the same experience? (with better zoom some more!)

Help me decide which one!

Thanks in advance!

fireblaster_lyz · 9th June 2009

I think you would have got your answer.
Since you have spoke about the advantages of having a bigger aperture on a camera lens (which in this case, f/2.8), the benefits of having it is being brighter than a camera with a f/4.0 aperture stop.

However, with increase zoom range comes this sacrifice.

So, to answer,
1) Is the difference in sensor size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in image quality?
No, in this case. As the sensor size on compact cameras are already so small, I feel that there would be near/similar results for both cameras.

2) Is the difference in aperture size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in flexibility?
Yes. The benefits for it allows greater creativity in alot of situations.

3) Is the overall image quality of the LX3 so much better than the TZ7 that I should let go of the latter's GREAT optical zoom range?
Yes. This is due to the advantages of using M mode. I wouldn't say image quality, but the resulting image.

Weigh your options seriously. If you think that have a zoom range is important, I recommend the TZ series.
However, if there's an option, I believe many serious photographers will be choosing the LX3 as their camera in this thread.

Kai2810 · 9th June 2009

Originally Posted by fireblaster_lyz

However, if there's an option, I believe many serious photographers will be choosing the LX3 as their camera in this thread.

Thanks fireblaster,

Haha, yeah I noticed. A lot of guys here and in other forums highly recommend the LX3.

Hai...still quite concerned if I actually do want the zoom. Maybe on that day when I go down then I'll know.

Other than that...anything else I should take note of?

phantasmal · 9th June 2009

Originally Posted by Kai2810

Thanks fireblaster,

Haha, yeah I noticed. A lot of guys here and in other forums highly recommend the LX3.

Hai...still quite concerned if I actually do want the zoom. Maybe on that day when I go down then I'll know.

Other than that...anything else I should take note of?

Well if u dun really use the video mode and the optical zoom, the Lx3 will be better for sure.
The image quality difference is more seen in low light and iso 800 and above pics.
But if u want manual functions, there really is only one choice.
Its a give and take situation, both cams are highly different in nature, no two ways.

lwm · 9th June 2009

I use a software ExposurePlot to analyse my photo, found most time (>90%) I was taking photo using <60mm, although that camera I was using can zoom to 400+mm.

Kai2810 · 9th June 2009

phantasmal, yeah I do think i will be using the video mode and the zoom...but guess I have to make do lah.

Originally Posted by lwm

I use a software ExposurePlot to analyse my photo, found most time (>90%) I was taking photo using <60mm, although that camera I was using can zoom to 400+mm.

Thanks lwm! some real statistics will certainly clear things up!

Kai2810 · 9th June 2009

OH another thing...

Night shots. Very important for me, I kinda like to take city shots at night and for taking group shots with friends on night outs.

i have been looking around for photos taken at night...but couldn't find anything so far. Anyone here have any links for me to compare the night shots from both LX3 and TZ7?

many thanks!

henry soh · 9th June 2009

Hi, I bought TZ7 (travel Zoom 7) for video which I record road show live band music and
playback on my 37" TV with music recorded live. I zoom during recording and pan. LX3 has
apertures advantage over TZ7 useful in low light indoor. TZ's price $560/- LX 3's price
$680/- or wait for Olympus for 2 weeks or so for a new camera similar to G1

lahgal · 10th June 2009

hi, you may want to search panasonic ZS3 in google for the reviews as TZ7 is known as ZS3 in some countries, hope this helps.

Kai2810 · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by lahgal

hi, you may want to search panasonic ZS3 in google for the reviews as TZ7 is known as ZS3 in some countries, hope this helps.

Yep...I knew about that, but thanks for the heads up!

Still looking for night shots comparison btw the LX3 and TZ7/ZS3...

shark · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by phantasmal

Well if u dun really use the video mode and the optical zoom, the Lx3 will be better for sure.
The image quality difference is more seen in low light and iso 800 and above pics.
But if u want manual functions, there really is only one choice.
Its a give and take situation, both cams are highly different in nature, no two ways.

I'm also considering the LX3. Will be using video 50% most of the time. Is the video quality not so good?

Sashimi67 · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by shark

I'm also considering the LX3. Will be using video 50% most of the time. Is the video quality not so good?

if U video, LX3 unable to zoom while videoing, U may need to try it out at the shop & see the diff. quality on Tz7 U can set to AVCHD or HD mode, which is quite good.

jonleelk · 13th June 2009

Originally Posted by shark

I'm also considering the LX3. Will be using video 50% most of the time. Is the video quality not so good?

If u plan to use video 50% of the time, the TZ7 will be more suitable.

Get the TZ7 now (as it is a new model), and wait for a few more months to get the new LX4.

phantasmal · 14th June 2009

Originally Posted by shark

I'm also considering the LX3. Will be using video 50% most of the time. Is the video quality not so good?

The video of Lx3 itself is good, in fact might be better esp in low light.
But u will miss optical zoom, stereo sound, wind cut filter and avchd.

lahgal · 15th June 2009

hi experts,

Is it true that if you are using auto mode on LX3 most of the time, you will not achieve nice image quality?

sayjaibow · 16th June 2009

You will get good results from Auto mode in the Lx3. Just like any other point and shoot. It's pretty intelligent to detect what scene mode to use. The main choice you need to make is whether you prefer zoom or indoor shots. From the various reviews out there high iso and indoor shooting is very poor in the TZ7. Much better with the LX3's 2.0 lens. If you mainly take outdoor bright light photo's you won't see much difference.

Anson · 19th June 2009

Originally Posted by sayjaibow

You will get good results from Auto mode in the Lx3. Just like any other point and shoot. It's pretty intelligent to detect what scene mode to use. The main choice you need to make is whether you prefer zoom or indoor shots. From the various reviews out there high iso and indoor shooting is very poor in the TZ7. Much better with the LX3's 2.0 lens. If you mainly take outdoor bright light photo's you won't see much difference.

In that case why not buy a TZ7 (set to ISO 100) with a tripod for low light shots?

9th June 2009	#1
Kai2810 New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8	LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... Hi guys.... I'm quite a noob at cameras, will need some advice on deciding which one to buy this coming weekend! I have taken a look at the reviews at dpreview.com of both LX3 and TZ7, and saw the image comparisons. I have 3 qns... 1) Is the difference in sensor size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in image quality? I know sensor size BIG = GOOD (correct?)...but does it really make a huge difference in this case btw LX3 and the TZ7, when it comes to actually using it? 2) Is the difference in aperture size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in flexibility? The LX3 has fantastic aperture range...Wide: F2.0 - F8.0 Tele: F2.8 - F8 compared to the TZ7's F3.3 - F4.9. Also...the TZ7 does not allow you to manually set the aperture, shutter speed, ISO right? I have used a dslr before...so flexibility quite important to me. But again...any significant difference in the flexibility offered in real world usage? 3) Is the overall image quality of the LX3 so much better than the TZ7 that I should let go of the latter's GREAT optical zoom range? Zoom kinda important to me...like to know if the image quality of LX3 is good enough for me to forgo the TZ7's 12x zoom.... I'll be using the TZ7 or the LX3 for my travels or normal usage when I'm out with friends/family where compact size and convenience is of priority. My dad has a D200 and D3 with quite a number of lenses, so I can borrow them if I need them. So for now, compact size and convenience is important! The main rationale behind this post is that I realized that paper specs are not really everything. I may think that the best in paper spec is absolutely critical but when it comes to real world usage I can be satisfied with something that is a few notches below/poorer. Got this experience when I brought my new computer graphics card. Fastest card so what? Get a cheaper card but still deliver silky smooth gaming experience with the size of the LCD monitor I'm using can already. (If you know what I mean.) Saved more than 100 bucks when I purchased a slightly lower range product which still delivered what I wanted. So same case here...go for the absolute best (LX3) or choose something cheaper and still give me the same experience? (with better zoom some more!) Help me decide which one! Thanks in advance! Last edited by Kai2810; 9th June 2009 at 12:54 AM.

9th June 2009	#2
fireblaster_lyz Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 55	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... I think you would have got your answer. Since you have spoke about the advantages of having a bigger aperture on a camera lens (which in this case, f/2.8), the benefits of having it is being brighter than a camera with a f/4.0 aperture stop. However, with increase zoom range comes this sacrifice. So, to answer, 1) Is the difference in sensor size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in image quality? No, in this case. As the sensor size on compact cameras are already so small, I feel that there would be near/similar results for both cameras. 2) Is the difference in aperture size significant enough to notice REAL WORLD difference in flexibility? Yes. The benefits for it allows greater creativity in alot of situations. 3) Is the overall image quality of the LX3 so much better than the TZ7 that I should let go of the latter's GREAT optical zoom range? Yes. This is due to the advantages of using M mode. I wouldn't say image quality, but the resulting image. Weigh your options seriously. If you think that have a zoom range is important, I recommend the TZ series. However, if there's an option, I believe many serious photographers will be choosing the LX3 as their camera in this thread.

9th June 2009	#5
lwm Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 135	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... I use a software ExposurePlot to analyse my photo, found most time (>90%) I was taking photo using <60mm, although that camera I was using can zoom to 400+mm.

9th June 2009	#7
Kai2810 New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... OH another thing... Night shots. Very important for me, I kinda like to take city shots at night and for taking group shots with friends on night outs. i have been looking around for photos taken at night...but couldn't find anything so far. Anyone here have any links for me to compare the night shots from both LX3 and TZ7? many thanks!

9th June 2009	#8
henry soh Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 185	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... Hi, I bought TZ7 (travel Zoom 7) for video which I record road show live band music and playback on my 37" TV with music recorded live. I zoom during recording and pan. LX3 has apertures advantage over TZ7 useful in low light indoor. TZ's price $560/- LX 3's price $680/- or wait for Olympus for 2 weeks or so for a new camera similar to G1

10th June 2009	#9
lahgal New Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... hi, you may want to search panasonic ZS3 in google for the reviews as TZ7 is known as ZS3 in some countries, hope this helps.

15th June 2009	#15
lahgal New Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... hi experts, Is it true that if you are using auto mode on LX3 most of the time, you will not achieve nice image quality?

16th June 2009	#16
sayjaibow Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 95	Re: LX3 or TZ7?? Help.... You will get good results from Auto mode in the Lx3. Just like any other point and shoot. It's pretty intelligent to detect what scene mode to use. The main choice you need to make is whether you prefer zoom or indoor shots. From the various reviews out there high iso and indoor shooting is very poor in the TZ7. Much better with the LX3's 2.0 lens. If you mainly take outdoor bright light photo's you won't see much difference.